Hyundai Azera

American consumers continue to shift their new car purchase decisions to crossovers and that move has taken a toll. The Hyundai Azera will soon be no more, putting an end to this flagship sedan’s all-too-brief reign.

12-Year Model Run

The Azera came on the scene in 2006, replacing the previous XG300 and XG350 as Hyundai’s flagship sedan. That reign ended in 2009 when the Genesis sedan arrived and slotted above the Azera, itself usurped in 2011 when the Equus was introduced.

Both the Genesis and Equus were recast as Genesis brand models in 2017, returning the Azera to its flagship status. But only temporarily it seems.

Indeed, the market has been none too kind to the Azera as well as to other full-size models. Some sedans, such as the Toyota Avalon, have fared better, while the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Buick LaCrosse have also struggled.

With deep double-digit year-over-year declines for the competing products, we may see others drop out of the market too. At least traditional rear-wheel drive models such as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 continue to find success in a dwindling market.

The Original Hyundai Azera

The Azera’s appeal was strictly for consumers wanting a large sedan with a powerful engine to go with it. Hyundai complied by serving the 2006 Azera with a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower. In 2007, the Azera gained a smaller V6, a 3.3-liter for its all-new GLS trim.

Hyundai has always positioned the Azera as a premium sedan, although its dimensions were only a few inches larger than the midsize and far more popular Sonata. Besides V6 power, customers could count on standard leather seats, heated front seats, a rear power sunshade, and an advanced audio system.

In 2009, a refreshed Azera debuted with a revised front end and new 17-inch wheels. The look was even more elegant than before and provided the right segue from the Sonata to the upcoming Genesis sedan.

Additional changes in 2011 brought in revised engines with dual continuously variable timing and a notable boost in power. Hyundai also swapped out the five-speed automatic for a six speed, improving fuel economy in the process.

Second-Generation Hyundai Azera

An all-new Azera was introduced in 2012, featuring an even more elegant appearance. An upgraded interior, expanded safety features, and the Hyundai BlueLink telematics system were among the many improvements. Hyundai dropped the larger V6 and introduced an all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower. It immediately became the most power dense V6 in its class.

Hyundai continued to update the Azera even as sales never reached anywhere near the company’s goals. Those changes included the latest in telematics and safety equipment and a new, lower price.

Yet, outside of its more popular midsize and compact models, the Azera never made the impact expected. At the same time, Hyundai continued to enjoy strong demand for its two midsize crossovers — the five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and the seven-passenger Santa Fe.

Looking Ahead

Now minus its three largest sedans as well as its Genesis Coupe, the Hyundai brand is pulling back temporarily, but not for long. The Santa Fe will effectively serve as the brand’s flagship, offering the only V6 engine as well.

Hyundai is also upping its green credentials, by rolling out a full line of Ioniq electrified models. A hybrid arrived in dealer showrooms in February and will be followed by a battery electric model in April. Hyundai will round out the Ioniq line when a 2018 Plug-In arrives in the fourth quarter. A Hyundai pickup truck is in the works and another SUV is planned.

Yes, the Hyundai Azera will soon be gone, but that loss should be made up by customers who might move over to a crossover or give serious consideration to the Sonata.

Lest anyone think that Kia was going to change its approach to the market because of Hyundai’s decision to launch a separate luxury brand, this Korean automaker is showing us that it simply ain’t so.

Indeed, just as the global auto show season heats up, Kia announced this week that a new Cadenza sedan will launch next year. The Cadenza is based on the same platform underpinning the Hyundai Azera, the largest of Hyundai’s models that won’t transition to the upcoming Genesis luxury brand.

2017 Kia Cadenza.

Genesis Motors will be composed of models similar to two current Hyundai vehicles — the Genesis sedan and the Equus sedan, with the new models named the G80 and G90, respectively. The Genesis marque will launch in 2018.

Kia’s relationship with Hyundai is a complicated one, at least to the non-Korean observer. In 1998, Hyundai purchased a 51 percent stake in its smaller and failing competitor, but has since reduced its holding to 33.88 percent.

The two manufacturers share platforms and key components, but management, styling, model choices, and most manufacturing are separate. That’s one reason why Kia has the Soul and Hyundai doesn’t have an equivalent. At the same time the Genesis Coupe is exclusive to Hyundai.

2017 Kia Cadenza.

The Kia Cadenza has been on the market since 2010, although the first models didn’t reach North America until 2014. The second-generation model will arrive for the 2017 model year, enabling this sedan to keep up with such competitors as the Lexus ES 350, Buick LaCrosse, Acura RLX, and the Lincoln MKS.

Sketches hardly tell the story of what the new model will look like, but Kia has promised to deliver a sedan with more provocative styling and an even higher level of luxury. About the styling, Kia says that the sedan will offer an elongated bonnet (hood), a wider, lower stance and sharper styling lines, with a thoroughly modern execution of signature Kia design cues

Inside, Kia promises a cabin with a “premium new design” and more “higher-quality materials than ever before.” In the 2017 Cadenza, Kia is benchmarking European tastes in a bid to raise the bar.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept.

While the Cadenza will appeal to one segment of buyer, Kia seems likely to introduce a few more models going forward, including a few exclusive to the brand.

The luscious GT4 Stinger coupe concept, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2014, is one possibility. If Kia is looking for a signature model, then the Stinger would be it — the rear-wheel drive concept is powered by a twin-turbo engine making 315 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is a head turner and would also be Kia’s first neck snapper.

Kia might also bring to the market one or two other models that have recently gotten a lot of attention. Both were shown at SEMA 2015 in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger.

The Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger 10 opens up true off-road possibilities for a brand that doesn’t have a player in the segment. At least not yet. This vehicle has been lifted by four inches and outfitted with 28-inch tires. The exhaust pipe comes out of the rear bumper, replacing the current low-hanging pipe. Sparco seats and safety harnesses are other important features. On the downside, the concept is still front-wheel drive — to succeed, a true 44 variant or at least all-wheel drive ala Subaru is a must.

Kia A1A Optima Concept.Another SEMA 2015 hit was the A1A Optima concept. Based on Kia’s popular midsize sedan, this 2+2 four-door convertible — with suicide doors — and outfitted with stunning 20-inch wheels and a unique front fascia, shows us a dazzling model that could change everything for Kia. Powered by a turbocharged, 245-horsepower engine and blessed with a throaty exhaust pipe, the upscale visage is further enhanced by an all-leather interior. Notably, an adjustable suspension lowers this convertible to enhance its drivability.

Although only the next-generation Cadenza is officially a “go,” we’re likely to see further separation between the two Korean makes going forward. Turning one or more concepts into a production reality would further the cause and give Kia fans more reasons to hold fast to this rapidly evolving brand.